Corpse Reviver No. 2

This classic Corpse Reviver—a refreshing gin cocktail from a storied London hotel—is said to cure a hangover.

Updated: April 22, 2020

The best gin for a classic Corpse Reviver is an old school, juniper-heavy London dry style.Kat Craddock

Popularized by the 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book by Harry Craddock (the head barman at London’s grand Savoy Hotel through the 1920s and 30s), the classic Corpse Reviver No. 2 recipe is part of a succession of “Corpse Revivers” thought to have been devised by 19th century English bartenders as hangover cures.

Craddock’s Corpse Reviver No. 1 is a dark, apple-scented brandy tipple; this gin-based sequel is lighter, brighter, and more botanical and astringent, yet is still strong enough to perk up the senses. The best gin for a Corpse Reviver No. 2 is a classic, juniper-heavy London dry style. Faintly bitter fortified Lillet wine and a dash of absinthe are also said to settle a queasy stomach, but be forewarned: According to Craddock, “Four of these taken in swift succession will unrevive the corpse again.”